Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/515703
The entries were judged by educators, editors, graphic artists and publication specialists, who also provided critiques of the entries. "I appreciated the judges' comments in that they address some of the same elements we discuss on a regular basis as a staff — concise writing, use of good quotes, solid understanding of layout elements," says Braun. "Critique comments remind us what we are doing well, in addition to what we need to work on. That is how a publication improves and grows. Plus, as an adviser, it is always wonderful to hear affirmation that the things you are teaching your publication staff- ers are, in fact, what others trained in the business are looking for, as well." El Vaquero is published by the Advanced Journalism class. Students must first take Beginning Journalism, submit an application and essay, and be interviewed to A two-page spread about visual art programs that "unleash the power of creativity" won first place in the first-ever California Educator journalism contest. "The Art of Teaching" was featured in Irvine High School's newspaper, El Vaquero. Staff members who worked on the spread are student editors Jillian Kido and Alex Williams, photographers Renee Chan, Brenda Nguyen and Uma Sen, and writers Chandy Alayra, Mona Chahine, Sun Ah Lee and Melanie Nguyen. The advisers are Ellyn Siskind and Julie Braun, Irvine Teachers Asso- ciation. Their winning entry is featured on the next page, and they have been invited to attend the presentation of the John Swett Awards for Media Excellence at the June State Council meeting, where they will have an opportunity to meet working journalists. Top row: Uma Sen (grade 12), Renee Chan (11), Mona Chahine (10), Sun Ah Lee (10), Jillian Kido (12). Bottom row: Ellyn Siskind (adviser), Melanie Nguyen (12), Alex Williams (12), Chandy Alayra (11), Julie Braun (adviser). Not pictured: Brenda Nguyen. Irvine High School wins Educator 's journalism contest By Cynthia Menzel CTA & You Contest results 52 www.cta.org